The stick that stands by you

PATIENTS at Dr Hilton Beck's surgery have unknowingly led to this local doctor inventing a new walking stick.

Dr Beck was concerned about the possible risk of injury to patients when he noticed them resting their walking sticks against the walls in his surgery.

"Inevitably, a walking stick would fall down, and the patient would then have to bend down to pick it up," Dr Beck said.

"This was always a concern for me, as older people, who are not as stable on their feet, often experience falls this way."

Designed and developed over a few years, Dr Beck's IQ Stick has a strong carbon fibre stem with a glow-in-the-dark easy location handle and gives users improved balance and stability when walking or standing.

This new walking stick is also lightweight and height adjustable and does not catch on steps, further reducing the risk of tripping and falling.

"In the event of the IQ Stick falling over completely, there is no need to bend down to retrieve the walking stick," Dr Beck said.

"A tap of the toe on the base allows the stick to return to its upright position. We call it the stick that stands by you."

Dr Beck's IQ Stick is just one of the many products available to locals in the recently upgraded independent living department at Terry White Chemists in Park Beach Plaza.

"With the recent upgrade, we have expanded our range to assist more people with their mobility needs," Tanya Maloney, pharmacist and owner at Terry White Chemists, said.

"Our role in the community is to help people with health solutions so we can keep them comfortable, independent and living in their homes.

"We also provide a measuring service so items can be tailored to suit."

Terry White Chemists offers free delivery on these items and encourages people to come in and have a look at the range.

"If you are a carer or a family member and notice someone is having difficulty, it is likely we have something that could help - things that you might not even know exist. From toothpaste tube squeezers to button openers, we have a big range of little gadgets, because it's the little things that make life easy," Tanya said.